Jessie J has been crowned the winner of the Critics' Choice prize at next year's BRIT Awards.

The Essex singer beat off competition from James Blake and The Vaccines, who came second and third respectively.

The Critics’ Choice Award is for new British acts tipped for mainstream success in the forthcoming year, and is chosen my music editors.

“This is epic! It has been a dream since I was a little girl to win a BRIT. I can't believe it's happened,” Jessie J said.

The singer will perform at the nominations launch event in London on January 13. The BRIT Awards will be broadcast live from the O2 Arena on February 15.

(by Jason Gregory)